Shining Mountain dam
Shining Mountain
Shining Mountain, also known as Schoolmarm Lake, is a privately owned earth dam located in Ravalli County, Montana. Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. Situated near Lyman Creek, the dam has a height of 45 feet and a length of 375 feet, providing a storage capacity of 203 acre-feet.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Shining Mountain is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The dam has a spillway width of 40 feet and can accommodate a maximum discharge of 620 cubic feet per second. Its purpose extends beyond water resource management, as it also contributes to fire prevention efforts in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shining Mountain serves as a fascinating example of how innovative engineering can support diverse ecological needs while minimizing potential risks. As a key feature in the landscape of Sula, Montana, this dam represents a harmonious balance between human intervention and environmental stewardship. Its construction and management highlight the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in ensuring the well-being of both local communities and the surrounding ecosystem.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Shining Mountain -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bitterroot River Near Darby Mt | 1,340 cfs | → |
| West Fork Bitterroot River Nr Conner Mt | 296 cfs | → |
| Middle Fork Rock Cr Nr Philipsburg Mt | 294 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Bl Big Lake Cr At Wisdom Mt | 171 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Bl Mudd Cr Nr Wisdom Mt | 804 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt | 2,520 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shining Mountain.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Shining Mountain
Where does the data for Shining Mountain come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.